Senate Internship: Frequently Asked Questions
What are the specific internship opportunities provided by the Indiana Senate Majority Caucus?
Internships are available with legislative assistants, the Senate Majority Communications Office and the legal office.
Interns with legislative assistants work very closely with senators and legislative staff. They are paired with one or two senators and a legislative assistant. They help with constituent correspondence, legislative research and preparation for legislative committee hearings and legislative session.
Interns with the Senate Majority Communications Office gain experience while being teamed directly with press secretaries, policy analysts and multimedia specialists. When applying, candidates need to choose the specialty position that best suits their skill sets. When teamed with press secretaries, basic duties include writing press releases, creating e-communications and working with the media. When working with policy analysts, interns conduct legislative research, track bills and monitor legislative committees. When paired with multimedia specialists, interns will focus on telecommunications, photography and graphic design.
Legal Interns work primarily with the Attorney's Office drafting legislative resolutions and researching Indiana code. They help develop relationships with Senators and provide current information about bills and legislation.
What are the benefits of interning with the Senate Majority Caucus?
Interns are paid a $700 biweekly stipend. Academic credits can also be earned. Interns are also eligible to apply for academic scholarships. Building an impressive professional network, gaining valuable business references, preparing for future employment and participating in professional development are also benefits.
How is credit earned for the internship?
Class credit is determined by schools. Students should consult their academic advisors with questions regarding class credit.
What is the length of the internship?
Interns are invited, but not required, to attend Organization Day. This is the official first day of the legislative session, which occurs in mid-November of each year.
Official orientation begins in late December or early January. The exact end-date of the internship is different every year, depending on whether the legislature is in a long session or a short session. Long sessions occur during odd numbered years and must end by April 29. Short sessions occur during even numbered years and must end by March 14. Should a Special Session occur that lasts beyond these end-dates, interns will be expected to stay to the best of their abilities.
What are the hours of work and is there overtime pay or vacation time?
Interns typically work from 8:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., Monday through Friday. There will be times when duties require the days to begin earlier or last longer. Working more than the minimum seven hours in a day does not garner overtime pay.
There are not any paid vacations, sick days or vacation days. Exceptions under extenuating circumstances may be made for interns who must absolutely miss a day of work, however, the intern will not be paid for the time they are not at work.
What are the options for housing?
There are housing opportunities in downtown Indianapolis and surrounding areas, and some places are willing to negotiate short term leases. Many also offer student or government worker discounts. Costs per month vary.
What are the conditions of work when interns have class or exams?
School schedules should not interfere with internships. A Political Science class is offered on Monday evenings which is held in conjunction the internship. When this class conflicts with late work, the intern coordinator will advise as to how to deal with the scheduling conflict. Credit for this class as well as registration is at the discretion of academic institutions.
How do I apply or find more information?
Visit www.SenateRepublicans.in.gov/internship.htm to apply or find more information about legal and legislative internships.
Visit www.in.gov/SRComm.Intern to apply or find more information about the Senate Communications Office.
